Both GP2 races in Valencia saw the Safety Car take to the track, though in all honesty, its appearance during today's Sprint Race - following a spin at Turn 2 by Marko Asmer - wasn't entirely necessary.

However, its appearance on Saturday, when a number of cars were eliminated in a first lap crash, was.

The fact is that any incident on a street track is likely to result in the appearance of Bert Maylander in the fabulous silver AMG Mercedes, the FIA always opting to err on the side of caution.

Therefore it is not unreasonable to look ahead to today's race safe in the knowledge that there will be at least one Safety Car period, and as we know from experience, that's when the problems usually begin, especially under the current rules.

McLaren lives in fear of the Safety Car, while Renault appears to rely on its appearance - hence those many laps in free practice when Alonso and Piquet cruise around on full tanks, lapping over ten to fifteen seconds off the pace, rehearsing… just in case.

Other than the safety car, and there are a number of deceptive corners here just waiting to catch drivers out - particularly Turn 3, where yesterday's GP2 incident occurred - the other thing to watch out for is the pitlane entry, which is sure to cause a few problems. Due to its location and design, cars entering the pits are actually travelling faster than those cars alongside turning left to start another lap, so watch out for the odd coming together and perhaps even the odd (very) late change of heart as a driver opts to pit/stay out.

As ever, it's hard to say where we stand in terms of strategy, however, as ever, the different tyre options appear to work better for some drivers than for others. Massa and Hamilton, for example, both preferring the super-soft option.

No doubt still smarting from that first corner drubbing in Hungary, Hamilton will be keen to get one over on his Ferrari rival today, however, Valencia does not have the wide run-offs of the Hungaroring, therefore the Englishman might be best served by playing a 'softly, softly' role.

Looking ahead, and despite the visual soullessness of the Valencia Street Circuit, today's race has all the makings of a real thriller, with any one of five, maybe even six, drivers in with a shout of winning.

While Kimi Raikkonen has looked relatively lacklustre in recent races, he has looked good throughout this weekend, and we cannot help but wonder if he is running just a smidgeon heavier than his rivals.

Robert Kubica will no doubt fancy his chances, while Kovalainen, buoyed by his win, albeit fortuitous, in Hungary, will be keen to score another, preferably without the aid of other's misfortune.

However, other than the fight for victory, and indeed the title fight, the battle for the best of the rest should be thrilling as Toyota continues to make progress. After a hugely disappointing qualifying performance, Renault will be keen to make amends, particularly since the success of its number one driver is the prime reason for Spain getting a second Grand Prix. The French team's powerplants are known to be losing out to the opposition - just ask Red Bull - but it would be foolish to write Renault off, especially if we do see Maylander in action.